1987 - 1991
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1987 to 1991 saw me making a yearly pilgrimage to Thailand, covering the four corners of Thailand. 1987 was the sixtieth birthday of King Bhimiphol of Thailand and to commemerate it, Bangkok organised it's first marathon. I remember having to go to the Bangkok Bank in KL to remit the money order for the entrance fee. James was supposed to join me to participate in the event but for reasons best known to him, he withdrew leaving me to go alone. Free shuttle buses was provided for all participants to take us to the starting point on the 22nd Nov. morning. Well, I finished the half-marathon in 2hrs 40min 18sec. After the race I took a train to Nong Khai, Korat, Phimai where I met a Mr. Prasert who invited me to his house for dinner and made a copy of VCR of the BKK Royal Marathon for me. After that I continued to Pattaya and then back in BKK on the 3rd Dec to witness the military parade followed by fireworks display at night. On 19th Nov 1988, Yee Kong Meng and I took a direct bus from Muar to Hadyai. He wanted to follow me up to Bangkok and return on his own while I continued my journey. On the 20th night, it started raining very heavily and most of the streets in Hadyai were flooded. When we woke up the next morning, it was total chaos and disaster as the whole of Hadyai was submerged in metres high water. We were both holed up in our rooms. Food had to be bought from passing vendors at exorbitant price. The next day when things improved slightly, Kong Meng took the first available bus back to Muar while I took a bus to Songkla and then continued with my journey.
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